Paul Backalenick - Mystery & Suspense Writer

Development - More than a mystery,
an indictment of modern man

Development, the novel by Paul Backalenick

#1 Author for 2019

Amy Shannon of Amy’s Bookshelf, a respected reviewer with a wide readership,* gave Development a rave review (see below). And, what’s more, she made the book one of her top ten books for the year. And even more incredibly, she named me her Top Author for 2019  out of the many authors she reads each year! I was absolutely dazzled and humbled by this tribute.

5.0 out of 5 stars

"Magnificently told!

Backalenick pens a magnificent story in Development. There is something about this story that didn't allow me to put it down once I started reading it. First, the writing style is just spot on for this story. I enjoyed the way the author put his words together to paint a story that was more than just a story. It was about family, and triumphs, tribulations, disappointments, and survival. It was a thrilling read to gain insight into the character's lives, and how things ended up at the end. The plot has a lot of different dimensions that made this reader feel like I was part of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author. This is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews."                  

 

Amy is in the top 1% of reviewers on BookSirens, based on review volume. Her reviews are found on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, BookBub and her own blog

 

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The money was missing. That much was certain.

Mystery, tension and poignancy combine to make this multi-layered novel a riveting read. Well written and thoughtfully crafted, Development weaves together three stories about life. About hopes and dreams. About frustrations and disappointments. And about love and redemption.

It is the early 1970s, in Westport, CT. Hank Latour finds himself in an unhappy marriage, disconnected from his two teenage daughters, paralyzed in a mid-level career as a bank officer, and in debt.

Tempted to make BIG money – FAST, Hank invests his savings in a real estate project, but more money is needed. Unable to get a loan, he borrows from a loan shark.

Meanwhile, he struggles with his relationships in his family, as each one evolves in their own way, sometimes for the better, sometimes with tragic results.

- S. C., Los Angeles

Reader's Comments

"I can’t get the characters out of my mind.”

"Mesmerizing”

"Terrific book. It will surprise anyone that reads it.”

"Ominous”

"They don’t turn out to be the kind of people you expect them to be.”

"This story is original and thoughtful. The reader easily becomes part of this family; becoming part of their struggles and dreams.”

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